‘Yuvraj immensely motivated to perform’

Delhi Daredevils’ head coach Gary Kirsten said on Friday he wanted Yuvraj Singh in the team because of his great rapport with him during his tenure as the Indian cricket team boss. He also said the flamboyant all-rounder was motivated more than ever to perform in coming IPL. “I had a great experience working with Yuvraj in the Indian team. He is fit as he has ever been. For me, I really wanted him in this team as he is from this part of the world. I don’t think there is a guy more motivated than Yuvraj,” Kirsten said.

On the appointment of South African Jean Paul Duminy as the team’s captain, the World Cup-winning former India coach said the left-hander has leadership credentials. “JP is a fantastic human being. He has already started captaining South African T20 team. We wanted continuity as he has played for the franchise and knows a lot of Indian players. It was a natural choice. He has got good leadership credentials,” Kirsten said of his compatriot. Kirsten also admitted he was up to the task of managing an IPL side last year when Delhi finished at the bottom of the eight-team tournament. “Could be. I think I was without a doubt (caught off-guard). I learnt last year IPL is different to international cricket. It takes a bit of getting used to for any coach,” Kirsten said.